The Monk Joasaph
of Kamensk, Vologda Wonderworker, in the world was named Prince Andrei
(Andrew). His parents – prince Dimitrii Vasil'evich of Lesser Zaozersk (a
descendant of holy Nobleborn Prince Theodore (Feodor) Rostislavich, of Smolensk
and Yaroslavl'), and princess Maria – were known for their deep piety, which
they imparted to the future ascetic. At twenty years of age Prince Andrei
accepted tonsure at the Kubensk Spaso-Kamenyi monastery with the name Joasaph,
in honour of Saint Joasaph, son of an emperor of India (Comm. 19 November). The
Monk Joasaph gained a good reputation for himself by complete obedience,
keeping of the fasts, zeal in prayer and love for books. The brethren of the
monastery were amazed at the gracious meekness and sincerity of mind of the
young ascetic. Under the spiritual nurture of the experienced elder Grigorii
(Gregory), afterwards bishop of Rostov, Saint Joasaph progressed in virtue. He
led the life of an hermit in his cell and attained to high spiritual talents.
Saint Joasaph asceticised at the Spaso-Kamenyi monastery over the course of
five years. In the final year of his life he partook of food only once during
the week and communed the Holy Mysteries each Sunday. Before his end the
monk took his farewell from the brethren, consoling and admonishing the monks
not to grieve over his parting. In the presence of the brethren the monk made
the monastic rule, said prayer to the Lord and to the Mother of God, then he
lay down upon his death bed and quietly died with prayer on his lips, on the
day of 10 September 1453.